The WildBlue System

The WildBlue satellite network uses KA band technology and the SurfBeam system developed by ViaSat Communications located in Silicon Valley in California. Unlike any of the other popular consumer satellite providers such as StarBand and HughesNet (formerly DirecWay), this DOCSIS-compliant network was designed for Internet access from the ground up - it is not a an afterthought piggybacking on a system that is primarily used for TV transmission. The Satellite Modem Termination System (SMTS) used to support WildBlue systems is built on blade server technology, a strategy that allows the company to easily and affordably scale their capacity as demand increases. The blade server approach also allows for a more reliable, high-availability network.

The bottom line: WildBlue's technology and network infrastructure is geared towards the needs of residential and Small Office / Home Office (SOHO) usage. While WildBlue does enforce download/upload limits, these limits will in most cases be more than adequate for residential and SOHO users.

The WildBlue Satmodem

The WildBlue satmodem is the interface between your computer or network and the WildBlue dish. WildBlue uses one satmodem - the ViaSat SurfBeam -  for all of its available services. In other words, the same satmodem supports all service levels from 128 kbps up/512kbps down to 256 kbps up/1.5 mbps down. Thus, changing service levels does not mean that you must also change or otherwise upgrade your equipment. The WildBlue satmodem supports 10/100mbps Ethernet connectivity without the need for PC-based software. Thus, this unit can be plugged directly into a router/firewall combination. 

The WildBlue satmodem does not offer in-built firewall protection, and thus exposes your PC to the Internet via a public network address. StarLAN Consulting Services strongly recommends that you defend the edge of your network with a suitable firewall/router combination for the sake of the safety and security of your private personal and business data.

WildBlue SurfBeam Satellite Modem
	WB SM 2000 Front View	WB SM 2000 Rear Panel

The WildBlue Antenna System

WildBlue offers a single 26 inch by 28 inch antenna system. This antenna is not substantially larger than most satellite TV antennas, but it differs widely in terms of its quality of materials, engineering tolerances, and the fact that is incorporates both a receiver AND a transmitter.

WildBlue Equipment Specifications

WildBlue transmitter power exceeds that of all conventional consumer-grade satellite services.

Fixed Site  Equipment

Fixed site installations are those which are permanently attached to a home or business. All WildBlue installations are fixed site. Choose from wall mount, pole mount, non-penetrating roof mount or other custom mounting solutions available from StarLAN Consulting Services. For a quick guide to antenna mounting solutions, see WildBlue Installation Options for photos and more information.